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Montréal's anti-insult bylaw challenged in court over freedom of expression concerns
Two legal-rights organizations are asking Quebec Superior Court to strike down Montréal's new anti-insult bylaw, adopted Sept 21, arguing its broad wording could capture political speech, including criticism of police.
Why it matters
Montréal city council adopted the anti-insult bylaw on Sept 21, banning insults against police officers, municipal employees and people acting on behalf of the city. It covers harassment, threats, abuse and intimidation, plus "offensive and aggressive behaviour." The Association des juristes progressistes (AJP) and the Clinique juridique de Saint-Michel (CJSM) argue the wording is broad enough to catch political speech and protest, including criticism of police, and want Quebec Superior Court to strike it down.
Full report
The challengers note that similar bylaws already exist in Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil and Sherbrooke, where thousands of fines have reportedly been issued over six years. The city says the bylaw protects frontline workers from harassment and threats. The court's ruling could affect similar bylaws across the province.
The case also touches Montréal's long-running public debate over policing and racial profiling. No hearing date has been set.
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